Unlocking the Dynamics of a Novel Natural Polymer-Based Material for Multiple Applications*

We have developed a unique polymer system using a natural polymer, which is a byproduct of the biorefinery industry. This material exhibits unusual viscoelastic behaviors, making it well-suited for multifunctional applications, including shape memory, self-healing, and thermally adaptive mechanical properties. These distinctive characteristics result from the careful tailoring of the macromolecular dynamics of the natural polymer, ranging from the nano to micro and macrostructure levels. A deep understanding of the dynamics of this complex polymer system is essential for controlling both its physical and functional properties. In this talk, I will discuss the potential of employing various characterization techniques, such as rheology in combination with neutron reflectivity, quasi-elastic neutron scattering, small-angle neutron scattering, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction, to investigate the dynamics of complex polymer systems at different length scales, both within bulk and interface systems.